The Top Mexican Restaurants in 15 U.S. Cities

By Zagat StaffApril 30, 2013By Zagat Staff | April 30, 2013

Mexican Food Week is in full swing, and to keep things rolling we've rounded up our top-rated Mexican eateries in 15 U.S. cities. Which joint near you came in numero uno? Click through the slide show to find out and check out the full results of our Mexican Food Survey right here. Share your thoughts on both via social media using hashtag #MexicanFoodWeek. If this slideshow leaves you hungry, how about something unusual? We taste tested some cricket tacos this week, check that out here (the bugs are better than you think!).

“Excellence wrapped in a tortilla” is how devotees describe the “delicious”, “gourmet” Mexican street eats crafted from “fresh, local and organic ingredients” at this counter-service trio; open for breakfast and lunch only, it’s always busy, but “friendly folks” keep the constant lines moving fast, and you can also call ahead to skip the wait; P.S. “the salsa doña is a true revelation.”

“Don’t dismiss” this Braintree spot because of its “cheesy”, “cramped” quarters – if you do, you’ll miss out on “outstanding” Mexican meals offered at “affordable” rates; during the week, it’s a place to “chillax” with the aid of “strong margaritas”, while on weekends, the atmosphere is more “fun”, thanks in part to the “loud” live music.

Celeb chef Rick Bayless “wrote the book on fine Mexican cuisine” (literally and figuratively), and he “keeps rewriting it” by “setting new standards” at his “upscale” River North “institution” where “inventive”, “refined interpretations” result in “sublime”, “mind-melting” moles and other “subtle” yet “complex” dishes served alongside “gold standard margaritas”; “kind”, “informative” servers are “as comforting as family” in the “elegant”, art-enhanced dining room, so “if you win the fight to land a reservation, you will be a very happy camper”; P.S. for a “cheaper” experience try the adjoining Frontera Grill.

“For real local-fied Mexican, there’s no better place” than this statewide chain, especially if you’re looking for a “quickie lunch” of “cheap eats” or “craving something ‘south-of-the-border’”; “spice up your food according to taste” at the salsa bar offering a “plethora” of condiments, and get it to go since there’s “no decor” to speak of.

“Phenomenally fresh” Mexican eats that “scream flavor” are the bread-and-butter of these “fast-ish-style” chain links across the valley, where “generous” portions and “pleasant” service are a way of life; “casual” digs and “reasonable” prices further make them a “local favorite.”

Its name means ‘only here’, an apt description of the “seriously authentic” Yucatán-style cuisine “served with appropriate pride by the owners themselves” at this North Miami Mexican in a “nondescript strip mall”; it’s “quiet enough for a first date” and delivers “great bang for the buck” too.

To “quench taco cravings”, hit these crosstown Mexican “favorites” where the “fair-priced”, “authentic tastes” are best washed down with a “terrific margarita” or two; both the service and the “tight” quarters are “undistinguished”, but in “warm weather” the West Villager’s patio is the “spot to be.”

“Forget that this Mexican hideaway is in a strip mall” advise KirkmanRoaders, because the “authentic” fare, including “fresh-made guacamole”, is “delicious” and the “chic, modern” surrounds channel SoBe; service is “tops” and tabs are wallet-friendly, so it’s considered “one of the better” choices around.

Chef OswaldoBibiano turns out “exceptional” cuisine with “bright, bold flavors” that’s “everything that Mexican food should be” at his midprice Concordia cantina; “deliciously potent” margaritas, “attentive” service and a “cozy”, “stylish” space that includes a lush back garden round out the offerings; P.S. “the mole is a must.”

“Lots of flavor” gets packed into the “to-die-for” burritos and carnitas at this Mexican trio; yes, the digs are a bit “grungy”, but service is “fast”, the bill is “small” and they “aren’t shy with the portions” – plus you can always “get your order to go.”

“No burritos or chimichangas here!” cheer fans of the “delightful, creative” tapas and street food given “a typical JoséAndrés twist” (e.g. grasshopper tacos “you’ll jump for”) at this high-end Penn Quarter Mexican with a “funky”, “loud” atmosphere; some say that service, while “friendly”, “doesn’t match the quality of the food”, but for most, niceties like “super-strong” margaritas and the “edible entertainment” of guacamole made tableside extend the fiesta feeling.